Device for hanging items and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for hanging items is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to a surface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in a direction substantially normal to the surface. The apparatus may also include a second element having a longitudinal axis. The second element may be coupled with the first element and may be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachment end. The second element may be configured to hang the items thereon.

BACKGROUND

This application relates generally to devices and methods of providingarticles for hanging items. More specifically, this application relatesto an apparatus and a method for hanging items which may include aelongate member for hanging items thereon disposed substantially normalto a surface and translatable away from, and toward, the surface.

SUMMARY

Currently devices, and arrangements, for hanging items, such as hangingclothing on clothes hangers, include a support rod disposedsubstantially parallel with a an access face, such as a closet doorway.Hangers are typically supported perpendicular with, and by, the supportrod. Arranging hangers on a support rod this way becomes less efficientin cases where the clothes closet is deeper than about the width of theitems hung on the hangers as the extra space behind, and/or in front of,the items is typically not used. In addition, in cases where the depthof the closet, or storage space it too shallow there is typically notenough room to contain the rod with hangers, and garments hanging fromit.

A typical clothes closet may be constructed to be about two feet deep,and a typical clothes hanger is about 17 inches wide. Using thesetypical dimensions then the support rod may be installed in the closedroughly one foot from the back wall of the closet, and one foot from thedoorway. This leave a few inches on either side of each clothes hangerfor the material comprising the sleeves of garments, and the liked, thatare hung on cloth hangers. Any storage space less than, or more than,two feet deep is likely to include the inefficiencies discussed.

Therefore, there is a significant need for an apparatus, or method, thatutilizes as much space as possible in storage spaces of all sizes. Theseand other needs may be addressed by one or more embodiments according tothe current disclosure.

This application discloses an apparatus, and a method for hanging itemsthat is economical to produce, of simple construction, and capable ofmass production, but also capable of providing a more efficient means tosupport and/or hang, and/or store items than is available with currentsystems.

In particular, this application discloses an apparatus that may includea first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to asurface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in adirection substantially normal to the surface. The apparatus may alsoinclude a second element having a longitudinal axis. The second elementmay be coupled with the first element and may be configured to translatein a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis awayfrom and toward the attachment end. The second element may be configuredto hang the items thereon.

This application also discloses an apparatus for supporting hangingitems that may include a first element configured to be fixed at anattachment end thereof, and a second element in translational engagementwith the first element and configured to translate away from theattachment end and toward the attachment end. In addition, the apparatusmay include an elongate third element coupled for movement with thesecond element and configured for supporting the hanging items thereon.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations inturn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments ofthe present invention; however, the order of description should not benecessarily be construed to imply that these operations are orderdependent.

Finally, this application discloses a method of providing an article forhanging items thereon. The method may include providing a first elementwith an attachment configuration at a first end thereof for directly, orindirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface, and fororienting the first element substantial normal to the fixed surface whenattached thereto. The method may also include providing a second elementthe second element being elongated, and configuring the second elementfor hanging items thereon. The method may also include coupling a thirdelement with the second element. In addition, the method may alsoinclude configuring the first and third elements for relativetranslational engagement thereby enabling the second element to be movedaway from and toward the fixed surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, when considered in connection with the followingdescription, are presented for the purpose of facilitating anunderstanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating an example apparatus forhanging items thereon in accordance with the current disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an exampleattachment arrangement for attaching a first element to a surface via abracket.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another exampleapparatus in accordance with the current disclosure illustrating asecond element telescopically engaged with a first element;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a roller bearingconfiguration according to the current disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating another example apparatusin accordance with the current disclosure showing two second elementsfor supporting items;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured toinclude a container for containing items fixed above an example elementfor hanging items thereon;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured toinclude a container for containing items coupled between two similarlyconfigured example elements for hanging items thereon;

FIG. 8 is a perspective right side view illustrating an exampleapparatus for hanging items in a retracted state;

FIG. 9 is a perspective left side view illustrating an example apparatusfor hanging items in an extended state; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective top view illustrating an example apparatus forhanging items in an extended state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present apparatus for supporting hanging items and methods aredescribed with reference to several illustrative embodiments describedherein, it should be clear that the present invention should not belimited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of theembodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present invention andshould not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. In addition,while the following description references drawings showing particularinterconnections, item quantities, and arrangements, it will beappreciated that the invention may be configured to have otherinterconnections, item quantities, and arrangements.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a first exampleembodiment of a apparatus for hanging items 5 thereon 10 is disclosed.The apparatus 10 may include a first element 15 configured to be fixedat an attachment end 20 thereof to a surface 25, and to be oriented,when attached to the surface 25, in a direction substantially normal tothe surface 25. A second element 30 may have a longitudinal axis 35 andmay be coupled with the first element 15. The second element 30 may beconfigured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with thelongitudinal axis 35 away from and toward the attachment end asillustrated with arrow 40. The second element may be configured to hangthe items 5 thereon. The second element 30 may be an elongatedcylindrical element configured for supporting clothes hangers forexample.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include one or more lockingmechanisms that may be configured to lock the second element in aretracted position closest to the surface 25, and/or in an extendedposition furthest from the surface 25.

The second 30 element may be coupled first element 15 in varioustranslational engagements including, but not limited to slidingengagement, rolling engagement, roller bearing engagement, and the like.

The surface 25 may be, for example the back wall of a closet, or thelike. The attachment end 20 may be attached to the surface 25 usingvarious fastening arrangements. For example, the attachment end 20 maybe screwed, nailed, bolted, glued, or the like to the surface.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an exampleattachment arrangement for attaching a first element 15 to a surface 25via a bracket 45. In this example one more hooks 50 are fitted into thebracket 45 attached to the surface 25 via on or more screws 55.

The apparatus 10 may also include a third element 60 in translationalengagement with the first element 15. The third element 60 may beconfigured for supporting the second element 30 below and parallel withthe third element 60. One or more support members 65 may be fixed at afirst location 70 to the third element 60 and fixed a second location 75to the second element 30 to support the second element 30 below thethird element 60.

In some embodiments the apparatus 10 may include a fourth element 80between the first element 15 and the third element 60, the fourthelement 80 may be translationally engaged with the both the firstelement 15 and the third element 60. In this way a translationaldistance of the third element 60, and therefore the second element 30may substantially equal to a sum of a first partial translationaldistance of the fourth element 80 relative to the first element 15 and asecond partial translational distance of the third element 60 relativeto the fourth element 80.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another exampleapparatus in accordance with the current disclosure illustrating whereinthe second element 30 may be telescopically engaged with the firstelement 15. In another example embodiment the second element 30 may bedisposed in sliding engagement with the first element 15. A stoparrangement 82, 84 may be included to prevent the second element 30 fromseparating from the first element 15. A protrusion 83 may be included atan end of the second element 30 to keep the items 5 from falling off.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a roller bearingconfiguration according to the current disclosure. In this example thesecond element 30 may be engaged with the first element 15 via one ormore sets of roller bearings 85. The engagement may be direct orindirect. In an example direct engagement case the third element 30 maybe a substantially rail shaped element having a bearing or bearing raceconfiguration that is configured to interact in rolling engagement witha corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration on the firstelement 15. In addition, or instead, the fourth element 80 may also besubstantially rail shaped and may have first bearing or bearing raceconfiguration 90 on an inboard side thereof that is configured tointeract in rolling engagement with a corresponding bearing race orbearing configuration on the first element 15. The fourth element 80 mayalso have a second bearing or bearing race configuration 95, on anoutboard side thereof that is configured to interact in rollingengagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration onthe third element 60.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating another example apparatusin accordance with the current disclosure showing two second elements 30for supporting items 5. In this example case the apparatus 10 may alsoinclude a fifth element 100. The fifth element may be located below andparallel with the second element 30, the fifth element 100 beingelongated and configured to hang more of the items 5 thereon.

A second support configuration 105 may be used to couple the fifthelement 100 to the second 30 and/or third element 60. In one example thesupport member 65 (FIG. 1) supporting the second element 30 below thethird element 60 may be configured to also support the fifth element 100below the second and third elements 30, 60.

In some cases the second element 60 may have a first end relativelycloser to the fixed surface 25, and a second end relatively further fromthe fixed surface. A handle 110 may be provided at a second end of thesecond element 60, or in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.3 the second element 30 may have a handle 110 thereon. The handle 110may be configured to be held by a user to translate the second element30 (both cases) away and toward the first element 15.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured toinclude a container for containing items fixed above an example elementfor hanging items thereon. The container 120 may be configured to betranslated with the second element toward and away from the surface 25.A handle 110 may be fixed to the container 120. In this way a user maybe able to extend and retract the second element 30 to access clothing,and the like, hung thereon, by pulling on or pushing on the handle 110,and at the same time access the container 120.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured toinclude a container for containing items coupled between two similarlyconfigured example elements for hanging items thereon.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate an apparatus 10 for supporting hangingitems 5. The apparatus 10 may include a first element configured to befixed at an attachment end thereof; a second element in translationalengagement with the first element and configured to translate away fromthe attachment end and toward the attachment end; and an elongate thirdelement coupled for movement with the second element and configured forsupporting the hanging items thereon. The first element attachment end20 includes may include two hook shaped elements 50, and furthercomprising a bracket member 45 having at least two slots 57 therein, andwherein the two hook shaped elements may pass into the correspondingslots 57 to hook the first element to the bracket, and the bracketmember is configured to be fixed to a surface.

Various example embodiments provide various methods of providing anarticle for hanging items thereon. The method may include providing afirst element with an attachment configuration at a first end thereoffor directly, or indirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface,and for orienting the first element substantial normal to the fixedsurface when attached thereto;

providing a second element the second element being elongated, andconfiguring the second element for hanging items thereon;

coupling a third element with the second element; and

configuring the first and third elements for relative translationalengagement thereby enabling the second element to be moved away from andtoward the fixed surface.

Other example methods may include:

providing a fourth element between the third element and the firstelement; and configuring the fourth element for relative translationalengagement with both the third element and the first element.

The coupling the third element with the second element may includefixing the second element to the third element with a support member.The coupling the second element to the first element for translationalengagement may include providing a fourth element between the firstelement and the third element.

The method may also include providing a fourth element to couple thefirst element to the third element, configuring the fourth element totranslate relative to the first element a first translational distance,and configuring the second element to translate relative to the fourthelement a second translational distance wherein the second element isconfigured to translate relative to the first element a totaltranslational distance substantially determined by a sum of the firsttranslational distance and the second translational distance. Includingthe fourth element may increase a difference between the retracteddistance and the extended distance from the surface. In some embodimentsmore than one element may be included between the first and the thirdelements which may further increase the difference between retracteddistance and the extended distance.

The second element may have a first end relatively closer to the fixedsurface, and a second end relatively further from the fixed surface. Themethod may also include providing a handle at the second end andconfiguring the handle to be held by a user to translate the secondelement away and toward the first element.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with whatis considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosedembodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements includedwithin the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

1. An apparatus for hanging items thereon, the apparatus comprising: afirst element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to asurface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in adirection substantially normal to the surface; and a second elementhaving a longitudinal axis, the second element coupled with the firstelement and configured to translate in a direction substantiallyparallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachmentend, the second element configured to hang the items thereon.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third element intranslational engagement with the first element, the third elementsupporting the second element below and parallel with the third element.3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a one or more supportmembers fixed at a first location to the third element and fixed asecond location to the second element to support the second elementbelow the third element.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprisinga fourth element between the first element and the third element, thefourth element translationally engaged with the both the first elementand the third element.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising afifth element, the element located below and parallel with the secondelement, the fifth element being elongated and configured to hang moreof the items thereon.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secondelement is telescopically engaged with the first element.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the second element is engaged with thefirst element via one or more sets of roller bearings.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the second element is disposed in sliding engagementwith the first element.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the thirdelement is a substantially rail shaped element having a bearing orbearing race configuration that is configured to interact in rollingengagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration onthe first element.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acontainer for containing objects fixed to the second element andconfigured to be translated with the second element toward and away fromthe surface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: anadditional first elements and an additional second element eachconfigured similar to the first and second elements; the additionalfirst element configured to be attached to the surface parallel to andat a spaced apart distance from the first and second elements; and acontainer have a first edge and a second edge parallel with the firstedge, the container being attached at the first edge to the secondelement and attached at the second edge to the additional secondelement.
 12. An apparatus for supporting hanging items comprising: afirst element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof; asecond element in translational engagement with the first element andconfigured to translate away from the attachment end and toward theattachment end; and an elongate third element coupled for movement withthe second element and configured for supporting the hanging itemsthereon.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first elementattachment end includes two hook shaped elements, and further comprisinga bracket member having at least two slots therein, and wherein the twohook shaped elements can pass into the corresponding slots to hook thefirst element to the bracket, and the bracket member is configured to befixed to a surface.
 14. A method of providing an article for hangingitems thereon, the method comprising: providing a first element with anattachment configuration at a first end thereof for directly, orindirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface, and fororienting the first element substantial normal to the fixed surface whenattached thereto; providing a second element the second element beingelongated, and configuring the second element for hanging items thereon;coupling a third element with the second element; and configuring thefirst and third elements for relative translational engagement therebyenabling the second element to be moved away from and toward the fixedsurface.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising; providing afourth element between the third element and the first element; andconfiguring the fourth element for relative translational engagementwith both the third element and the first element.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the coupling the second element to the first elementfor translational engagement includes providing a fourth element betweenthe first element and the third element.
 17. The method of claim 14,further comprising: providing a fourth element to couple the firstelement to the third element; configuring the fourth element totranslate relative to the first element a first translational distance;and configuring the second element to translate relative to the fourthelement a second translational distance wherein the second element isconfigured to translate relative to the first element a totaltranslational distance substantially determined by a sum of the firsttranslational distance and the second translational distance.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the second element has a first endrelatively closer to the fixed surface, and a second end relativelyfurther from the fixed surface, and further comprising providing ahandle at the second end and configuring the handle to be held by a userto translate the second element away and toward the first element. 19.The method of claim 14, further comprising attaching a container forcontaining objects to the second element to be translated with thesecond element.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising:providing similarly configured first, second, and third elements;attaching the similarly configured first element to the fixed surfaceparallel to and at a spaced apart distance from the first second andthird elements; providing a container have a first edge and a secondedge parallel with the first edge; attaching the first edge of thecontainer to the second element; and attaching the second edge of thecontainer to the similarly configured second element.